Mo Farah is well up for the battle after first defeat in 5,000metres and over since 2010
MO FARAH had not lost a race over 5,000metres since 2010 or a final since 2001.
But the message from Eugene, Oregon, is clear after he was beaten in the Diamond League: Do not panic.
Farah, Britain’s double Olympic champion, could not match the powerful finishing kick of Kenyan Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, but as he tweeted later: “Finished second today! I will be back for sure!”
Having suffered with a stomach virus, Farah’s opted out of the 10,000m at this Prefontaine Classic on Friday night.
He gave himself an extra 24 hours’ rest for the 5,000m and, in typical fashion, he made his move towards the front with three laps remaining.
But when Soi broke clear with 200m to go, Farah could not go with him.
The Kenyan won in 13min, 04.75secs from Farah in 13:05.88 – the fastest by a European this year – with Yenew Alamirew third in 13:06.45.
Farah’s coach, Alberto Salazar, said: “Mo’s not 100 per cent. But it was a good effort. I’m really pleased.”
Farah’s will run for Britain at the European Team Championships in Gateshead in just over a fortnight before the World Championships.